nasa space shuttle.....

[Sky Pilot]

Cool Hand Fluke and Dirt Doctor: In my opinion, you are both on the same page about the waste and other things (that taboo subject).
I'm sure that both of you, like myself, would like to see the schools teaching the things that they're supposed to be teaching, aka, AMERICAN History, which includes of course
the rich history of our space program, without all the "opinionated" slants added to everything!


KiwiJohn: No doubt we won the original "Space Race", whether we stay out front is yet to be seen, unfortunately. Love the cartoons!


Dano: Laying aside the myriad technological advances made in various fields by the folks working in the space industry, the pride is an invaluable bonus, in my opinion.

There's nothing at all wrong with being proud of your country and it's achievements, a country with no pride has no motivation to move forward.
If the money spent was simply to buy pride, the worth would be questionable. With all the other bonuses, it was money very well spent, in my opinion.


Sky Pilot

 

[Dano Sverige]

True TH mate...nasty guys those soviets. So the USA entered the race and won...and they didn't develop any ICBM's, threaten the world with their military, and didn't want anything outside of the US....right?

I'm not against the fact that the US space programs have churned out some remarkable technology which has saved many more lives than they lost i guess, but the old adage applies..."you never miss what you've never had."...and without the technology developed we'd still be living/dying and surviving to the best of our abilities, like we always have.
I just think it's a shocking amount of money to have spent on the objectives (once the moon was conquered. I'll give you that one for country pride's sake), regardless of the benefits of the offshoots.

 

[FarmerChick]

every country spends shocking amounts of money on 'something'

geez, wonder how many way back when said, wow, look at that money being spent on ships to explore the oceans and the lands beyond? think they were ticked too at their hard earned money being spent for exploration also? --hmm..can't believe that king or queen spent all that money to find 'more riches for their own countries' gosh darn...

just a cycle as usual. money needs to be spent for unknowns. always will be that way.

now the depths of the oceans are being explored...so much of the ocean floor is uncharted. will that be a huge waste of money also? to some sure, to others, nope.

 

[mastereagle22]

Velcro
Microwave ovens
Teflon
Computers
Ceramics for heat-resistance
Strong lightweight composites and alloys
MRI and CT technology for medicine
PORTABLE COOLERS/WARMERS
GOLF BALL AERODYNAMICS
WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM
SCRATCH-RESISTANT LENSES
Invisible Braces
Memory Foam
Ear Thermometer
Shoe Insoles
Long-distance Telecommunications
Adjustable Smoke Detector
Safety Grooving
Cordless Tools
GPS
Baby Wipes

The list goes on and on. The development for products and technology for the space program impact our lives on a daily basis. Don't believe me? Do you have cell phone? How about Direct TV or Dish? Where does your cable company get its feed from?

The argument that it is wasted money and we should use it for other things is a false argument for one reason. If the politicians got the money it uses for NASA, a very small amount in the grand scheme of things, there is no assurance they would use it for any program that would benefit the people that need it most.

And humans have a desire and drive to explore, to learn, to become more than they are. The space program gave us a lot of this.

I do not think space exploration is a waste, I see it as an investment in the future of the human race. The time will come when we will leave this planet, at least some of the lucky ones will, and go see what else is out there.

That is my opinion and, as you are, I am entitled to it.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Velcro
Microwave ovens
Teflon
Computers
Ceramics for heat-resistance
Strong lightweight composites and alloys
MRI and CT technology for medicine
PORTABLE COOLERS/WARMERS
GOLF BALL AERODYNAMICS
WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM
SCRATCH-RESISTANT LENSES
Invisible Braces
Memory Foam
Ear Thermometer
Shoe Insoles
Long-distance Telecommunications
Adjustable Smoke Detector
Safety Grooving
Cordless Tools
GPS
Baby Wipes

The list goes on and on. The development for products and technology for the space program impact our lives on a daily basis. Don't believe me? Do you have cell phone? How about Direct TV or Dish? Where does your cable company get its feed from?

The argument that it is wasted money and we should use it for other things is a false argument for one reason. If the politicians got the money it uses for NASA, a very small amount in the grand scheme of things, there is no assurance they would use it for any program that would benefit the people that need it most.

And humans have a desire and drive to explore, to learn, to become more than they are. The space program gave us a lot of this.

I do not think space exploration is a waste, I see it as an investment in the future of the human race. The time will come when we will leave this planet, at least some of the lucky ones will, and go see what else is out there.

That is my opinion and, as you are, I am entitled to it.

Good post The benefits the space research has brought us is immeasurable, even you list is tiny compared to all it has given us..............

 

[Ray S ECenFL]

I have to agree with mastereagle 22 on the benefits we all use on a daily basis that came from the Space Industry.

The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission set out to generate the most accurate topographical map of the Earth. The data recorded will enable engineers and scientists to develop safer navigation techniques and better communication systems.

Two girls who can not tolerate exposure to either the sun’s strong ultraviolet light or even bright indoor lighting, each received a special UV protection suit that was developed from space-based technology.

A miniaturized ventricular-assist pump has been successfully implanted into several people. Initially called the NASA/DeBakey heart pump, it is based in part on technology used in space shuttle fuel pumps.

Winging their way into toy stores are Hasbro Aero Nerf Gliders, benefiting from NASA wind tunnel and aerodynamic expertise.

Properties of metal alloys studied for the space station program have sparked a new line of golf clubs. Shape memory metal gives the most seasoned golfer new control and feel.

BSR created blanket insulation kits based on NASA Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System materials and had the first products bear a seal from the U.S. Space Foundation indicating their space origin.

Based on award-winning NASA telerobotics software, VEVI4 is a powerful tool used to represent complex devices graphically in a 3-D environment. Depicted here is the Dante II vehicle during its descent into Mount Spurr, Alaska.

Building the Boeing 777 brought about the use of NASA innovations, from lightweight composite materials to the modern glass cockpit and aircraft control systems.

NASA's Space Product Development Program helps American business explore the potential and reap the rewards of doing business in space, bringing the benefits of space to Earth where it enriches the everyday lives of the American public.

NASA's technology transfer is the process by which space technology developed by NASA is transferred to businesses for another purpose.

Items used around the average American household 1) Better Insulation. Aluminum heat shields from the Apollo program are used in homes to drastically reduce home heating and cooling costs, making homes more energy efficient which leads to lower power consumption. 2) Smoke Detectors. These devices are standard in every home now, and were created for the Skylab space station in the early 1970's. 3) Better satellite technology for worldwide communication and television broadcasts. 4) Small in home water purification systems were originally invented to purify water on early space missions. 5) Cordless power Tools. NASA asked Black and Decker to develop a cordless power tool for use by the Apollo astronauts to collect deeper core samples on the moon. This invention lead to the wide range of cordless power tools in use today, including the first dust busters.

Items leading to a cleaner environment 1) Satellite mapping used for forest management and weather. 2) Hydroponic systems for the growing of food sources. 3) Pollution measuring/smokestack monitor devices used in factories. 4) Advances in solar energy technology.

Items used by the medical field 1) Advancements in laser technology, now adapted to conduct laser heart and eye surgeries. 2) Better technologies used for conducting mammograms. 3) A spin-off from the Hubble Space Telescope has lead to a less intrusive and more method for conducting breast biopsies through digital imaging. 4) NASA developed technologies were adapted for use in CAT scan and MRI machines. 5) Infrared Thermometers. NASA technology used for measuring the heat of stars and distant planets was adapted for use in infrared thermometers common in every home and hospital today.

Advancements to aid in Firefighting and public safety 1) Lighter weight Respiration systems developed for Apollo astronauts were adapted for use in fire fighting. 2) Rescue jaws used by firefighters to quickly cut through doors and roofs in order to get to trapped accident victims inside. 3) Newer light weight and portable radiation detectors. 4) Personal alarm systems used by firemen, prison guards, the elderly, etc. 5) Self righting life rafts. 6) Doppler radar used for storm warning and tracking, to include wind shear detection used at major airports in the U.S.

The above list in not all inclusive; it is only a fraction of the items which were developed as a result of the U.S. space program. The total number of technological achievements gleaned from NASA space programs numbers in the thousands. Future missions planned for the moon and Mars will only aid in pushing technology further and serve as a catalyst for the next generation of technological advances that future generations will undoubtedly take for granted.

The sad part is that over 8000 people will lose their jobs. Not to mention the economic effect it will have on Florida's Space Coast Businesses.

HH
Ray S ECenFL

 

[Frankn]

Hay Dano, I have always been curious. How much does it cost the Brits to support the "Royals"?
I understand the Queen is one of the richest women in the world. Frank

 

[mastereagle22]

My list was in no way inclusive to everything the Space program has benefited all of us. I just find it amusing that people parrot the main stream media on how big a waste the Space program is/was when they use technology specifically developed for the space program to bring their new casts to us. Ever seen a mobile News truck with the Big boom and satellite dish? I'm sure that didn't get any assist from the Space program at all.

Anyway that is all I have to say on this topic.

 

[Dano Sverige]

Hay Dano, I have always been curious. How much does it cost the Brits to support the "Royals"?
I understand the Queen is one of the richest women in the world. Frank

About as much as it costs you yanks to support one of your aircraft carriers per year probably. We have one Royal family, you have another seven aircraft carriers! Your point?

Yes yes we're all very grateful for all the stuff we use today thanks to the space program. My point is...if you found them all packed into a big box on Ebay, you wouldn't be pushing the 7 trillion dollars "buy it now" button would you? No, you'd move on and live without them.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Hay Dano, I have always been curious. How much does it cost the Brits to support the "Royals"?
I understand the Queen is one of the richest women in the world. Frank

About as much as it costs you yanks to support one of your aircraft carriers per year probably. We have one Royal family, you have another seven aircraft carriers! Your point?

Yes yes we're all very grateful for all the stuff we use today thanks to the space program. My point is...if you found them all packed into a big box on Ebay, you wouldn't be pushing the 7 trillion dollars "buy it now" button would you? No, you'd move on and live without them.

One thing about our carriers, they have been protecting the free world for over 66 years now....Along with our Airforce, our Navy, our Army and our Marine forces..............

It also means everyone in the world would be living without them as well, well that is except for all the people who died because of the loss of all the medical advances because of the Space Program....

 

[RvaDiggn]

Heck, I don't recon we will need any space shuttles once the Dwarf star Elenin comes through. It should be here in maybe 2 months

 

[Dano Sverige]

TH - It costs us a plane trip and a few "expenses" when Queenie visits one of the 57 countries she's "head of state" of. How much did it cost you to send your freedom keeping gang to, let's say...Grenada?
And you're not "protecting the free world" mate. That's all just propoganda. You're "dominating the free world" for your own "best interests"...just like the rest of us did before you.

Anyhow, that's all besides the point. As i said, the world is grateful that we now live with a lot of things developed purely by and for the US space program, and if you Americans are happy to have spent so much on it all then fair enough.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Dano my friend, if you really believe the world would have been no different from the start of WWII till now with out the U.S. Military you have not studied much history.

Do you actually believe Germany and Japan would have lost WWII if not for the American military?

Do you actually believe the Soviet Union would have just stayed home with in their original borders after 1945? Ask the people in Eastern Europe about that...


Continental Europe emerged from German domination in 1945, shattered and transformed. After the German surrender, Great Britain, the United States, France, and the Soviet Union divided Germany and Austria into four occupation zones, each to be administered by one of the victorious powers. The cities of Berlin and Vienna were similarly divided and occupied.

The Soviets re-annexed eastern Poland, Bessarabia, and northern Bukovina. Though the Soviet Union also annexed the Baltic states, those annexations were never recognized by Britain or the United States. Poland annexed Pomerania, Silesia, and southern East Prussia; the new German-Polish border lay along the line of the Oder and Neisse Rivers. The Soviets attached northern East Prussia with the city of Koenigsberg to the Russian SSR (Soviet Socialist Republic). As a provision of the Treaty of Friendship signed between the Soviet Union and the restored state of Czechoslovakia, the Soviet Union annexed interwar Czechoslovakia's easternmost province, Transcarpathian Rus.

Soviet authorities were determined to establish regimes in eastern Europe that were friendly or subservient to the Soviet Union. Even before the Germans surrendered, Soviet occupation troops assisted local Communists in installing Communist dictatorships in Romania and Bulgaria. Indigenous Communist movements established dictatorships in Yugoslavia and Albania in 1945. In 1949, the Soviet Union established the Communist German Democratic Republic in its occupation zone of Germany, as the western allies promoted a German Federal Republic in the western zones.

Now, how much did the U.S. annex of Europe after WWII, none................

If not for the U.S. military all of Europe would have gone under USSR control as well as a large part of Asia and most likely America.......If we had not develope our strong military including the Atomic weapons, there would have been nothing to stop the USSR, they were already interested in the nukes, the Soviets made a point of trying to capture as many of Germany's cold water research facilities as possible just for that reason.......

 

[FarmerChick]

the royal wedding was $60 million. how many royal weddings have there been? add them up and lets see what that money spent has truly contributed to society!

ah, just rockin' your boat---like said before, countless dollars have been burned. just gotta hope it was worth the cost and move on

 

[Dano Sverige]

TH - Japan wouldn't have been in the war without the American military! The soviets wouldn't have gotten to where they did without the American military!
However...this is all for another thread mate.


Farmers - Let's compare shall we?

Cost Of Running An Aircraft Carrier For 1 Year

Quantity: 1 | Price ($): 220000000.00 (plus the $10 billion cost of each one to produce, before you add the planes!)


United States Cost Of War In Afghanistan

Quantity: 1 | Price ($): 250000000000.00


United States Cost Of War In Iraq

Quantity: 1 | Price ($): 700000000000.00



United Kingdom cost of the latest Royal wedding

Quantity: 1 | price ($) 60000000


Hmmm...we could add up the cost of every Royal wedding back to King Arthur and still get nowhere near your military budget!
I know who's bill i'd prefer dropping on my door mat! lol

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Not one single Royal wedding has done anything to protect the world, but if the British Subjects have no problem paying $60,000,000 for a wedding then that is their choice.

Of all the things my taxes go for, never once have I complained about the money spent on our military, infact I complain that we do not give them enough money. On the other hand, I do resent giving our money to all the ungrateful countries of the world and think that should stop immediately, your either 100% our friend or your not, there is no inbetween..........

I also do not believe we should provide security to any country that doesn't want to be our true friends. If they do not want to fight for their own freedom and pay the price that is required to be free then they do not deserve the protection of our military, nor the spilling of one single drop of an American Soldier's blood.....

 

[spartacus53]

Makes me wonder

How much did we pay the aliens for their technology, or did we steal that too

 

[truckinbutch]

Dano ,
How is it that a man can so condemn a foreign country , so uphold the country whose flag he flies
and yet be an expatriate of that same 'glorious' country ?
If it was so good , whydga leave ?

 

[Dano Sverige]

Truckinbutch - Here lies the problem you see? I'm NOT condemning a foriegn country. All i said was the US space program cost a ridiculous amount of money, that i don't believe the benefits gained from it were worth the total cost..whatever that amount may actually be, and that yes, we all do benefit from things produced due to the space program and thankyou.
How is that "condemning"?

I "uphold the flag of whose country i fly" because Frankn brought up a question about the Queen, and Farmers brought up a question about the Royal wedding. Well, they were questions aimed at an Englishman, and i am an Englishman, so all i did was reply in a "that's a fact, and that's just how it is" kinda way.
How's that smacking your country and glorifying mine?

I left the UK for Sweden because many Americans want to see me dead and Sweden holds the number one slot for "greatest tank of all time" and has the only submarines in the world that the US Navy can't detect. In wargames it actually sunk one of your aircraft carriers! I figure Sweden can protect me better than the UK, so here i am!

http://www.ss346.com/PDFs/NavyLeasingSwedishSub.pdf

They also have some very beautiful women...one of which i'm engaged to. Some very beautiful houses...one of which is mine, and a very beautiful country.

Hope this clears things up for ya?

 

[spartacus53]

Dano, this is a good news, bad news notice for you.. The Gotland ran out of petrol two, or three days ago and washed up on the Jersey Shore in Point Pleasant. The vessel was discovered by the cast of the Jersey Shore", who are now holding the sub for the summer as their "party boat." I know it's technically not a boat, but it's hard to argue this fact with this cast of dolts. You can see this famed sub in episodes 4 & 5 this season.

That is pretty one impressive sub from what I've read on those articles

Which brings us full circle back to the space race. We had a good run in space exploration, surely made a ton of advancements in many sciences due to the operations, but it's too costly a program to keep running at the present time.

Since we've already made a great impact in the space program, why not explore the ocean We still have no clue what is going on right on our own planet. I am sure it will be more cost effective to have programs explore the mysteries in the ocean deep and perhaps make even greater advances in science going forward.

Just a thought